Shirlee June Klein

In the early morning hours of Friday, August 16, Shirlee June Klein, beloved "Nana," Mom, Aunt, Cousin and Friend, peacefully passed away in her sleep at her home in Calabasas.

She was 94 years old, a proud Southern Californian born and raised, and the last surviving matriarch of an incredibly large, loving, and close-knit family.

Shirlee's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love and connection will live on in her four children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

We put her to rest in a small private burial, next to her husband of more than fifty years, Norman Klein, Papa, and Dad, who asked her out to the movies on their first date when she was 11 years old. (And he got a child's ticket, always working the system, even back then.) Theirs was a lifelong love affair.

To know Shirlee June Klein was to love her. And so many people did.

Shirlee had a radiant smile and a contagious laugh, and she genuinely cherished meaningful conversations with those around her. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She taught all of us that family is the most important. Nana and Papa put family first. Before everything.

Known affectionately as Nana, she was the cornerstone of the Klein family-a true connector and a compassionate listener. Nana always seemed to know where everyone was, what they were doing, and what they had for breakfast. We trusted Nana to keep all of our secrets. Nana was always the first to know everything because we all loved to tell Nana everything first. Nana was there to listen, support, and be excited for us.

She was uniquely curious about all of our lives, and keeping the rest of the family up to date was one of her greatest pleasures. Her house was an amazing hub of family love. A safe place to talk about anything, grab a popsicle, swim, and jump in on any given FaceTime call because her phone never stopped ringing.

Nana was the most supportive and understanding person in the world. She never judged, she never criticized, she listened and supported no matter what. She was there for you unwavering, with open arms. Mom always knew just what to say to make everyone feel better.

Shirlee moved through life with grace and an effortless class that was admired by all. She was "hip" and "cool," staying in touch with all eight of her grandchildren and their partners through texting and FaceTime. She was always ready with a Netflix or Hulu recommendation and never missed a family gathering. At the most recent family wedding in Las Vegas just a few months ago, Nana even made it to the afterparty at 1 a.m. And danced with her grandson, the groom.

Her memory was astonishingly sharp-she could recall every detail of her life, and her mind remained keen until the very end, much like her perfect teeth, with zero cavities.

Growing up, Nana loved singing, going to the movies with her best friends Irene and Gloria, and she especially loved to read. As an adult she enjoyed being a travel agent and Mom, and always loved to host a party. In her last days, she was obviously deeply frustrated when she said, "I just don't feel like reading anymore."

Nana said it's always important to have something to look forward to. It doesn't have to be a big trip or event, something as simple as going to the beach or getting dinner, but big trips and events do work the best

She once advised "if it's not life threatening, it's not worth worrying about."

Nana's name "Shirlee," reads like the Hebrew word for "My Song." And indeed, her life was one great song-a melody that played for nearly a century, spanning generations.

The power of Shirlee's song will be humming in our souls forever.

There is no one like Shirlee, our Nana, our Mom. Her body rests but her spirit carries on, and we take solace that she is now back with Papa, and so many others she loved.

Special thanks to Taiana, her caregiver who took care of her as if she was her own Mom.

Thank you for everything Nana. We love you. And will miss you every day

Her children: Marsha Gallegos (Dennis), Jeff Klein (Karyn), Alan Klein (Ali) and Wendy.

Her Grandchildren: David, Julie (Tyler), Kevyn (Zach), Evan (Hillary), Kacey (Andrew), Adam (Kailey), Kendyl (Ben), Jamie (Austin)

Her Great Grandchildren: Calvin, Max, Howie, Dean, Poppy

May her memory be a blessing.

Donations in her honor may be made to Stand Up to Cancer or the American Alzheimer's Association.